Technology making judicial systems ever more efficient
https://arab.news/6s9g5
In our connected world, technology has become a mainstay in how we operate. From artificial intelligence-assisted search engines to the rise of the metaverse, technology is streamlining human processes and leaving an indelible effect on the way our societies are structured.
This is especially true in the field of justice, where new advances in communications technology, AI and data analysis are making judicial systems ever more efficient and adaptable to modern challenges.
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, legal systems which invest in information and communications technology record shorter trial lengths and significant increases in the accessibility and productivity of justice. This has certainly been the case in Saudi Arabia, where digitalization increased productivity at the Ministry of Justice by 40 percent in just two years.
The outcome of this transformation has been the digitalization of more than 90 percent of the Kingdom’s judicial services, with the Najiz portal granting users access to over 150 judicial e-services, including marriage certificates and e-powers of attorney.
Now ranked first in the region and third globally on the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a clear leader in digital governance and justice.
In seeking to share the valuable insights it has gained on how to make justice more accessible through technology, Saudi Arabia hosted its legal counterparts from around the world at the International Conference on Justice in March. Over two days, the event led participants through engaging panels and workshops, during which international experts addressed the conference’s central theme, “Facilitating Access to Justice Through Digital Innovation.”
Topics explored during the event ranged widely, from the role of digitalization in enhancing preventative justice to the future of AI in the practice of law and the use of mass data to predict judicial outcomes.
While a plethora of knowledge was exchanged, each discussion highlighted the important role that international cooperation will play in guiding the development of legal systems to balance the benefits of digitalization with the responsibilities of regulating it.
As an international platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences during an era of digital transformation, we expect the ICJ to have a significant impact on the future development of digital justice solutions globally.
Over the coming years, rapidly evolving technologies will bring new opportunities to improve the way we dispense justice. As participants at the ICJ explored these possibilities, one theme emerged to particular prominence: the need to balance the advantages offered by new technologies with the requirement for justice to remain “human,” answering the needs of both individuals and societies.
In an increasingly complex and digitalized world, this is an important principle. As Saudi Arabia’s judicial landscape continues to develop, our aim is to ensure that we not only keep pace with the rapid progress of technological innovation, but also harness and control its potential to bring real benefits to our citizens and residents.
• Majid Al-Khamis is general supervisor of media and institutional communications at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice.
